In Paris, where Italian restaurants are popping up everywhere and they often look alike, it can be quite tricky to find that hidden gem in the neighborhood. La Madonnina, tucked away in the heart of Rue Marie-et-Louise, just a stone's throw from the Canal Saint-Martin, is one of those gems.
A Contemporary and Plant-Based Restaurant
For over 20 years, this lovely trattoria has been known as an institution for enjoying delicious pasta, and it's also recognized as a place in a constant quest for innovation.
© Hugo Dominguez/ Le Bonbon
La dolce vita à midi
At the helm is Miguel, a passionate former employee who always dreamed of opening a restaurant. With a chic decor, a vibrant menu, and a green outdoor area, he’s gone all out to modernize his Madonnina. While the menu has evolved a bit, you can still order his best sellers from a beautiful sunny terrace, wine glass in hand: breaded mozzarella, linguine alle vongole, rhubarb panna cotta, and the delicious mafaldine with truffle, green asparagus rigatoni, and other seasonal dishes. The little extra: a generous €19 lunch deal for a starter/main or main/dessert so you can indulge at a great price!
© Hugo Dominguez/ Le Bonbon
And an Italian brunch on the weekend
Local eatery during the week, available for private events, La Madonnina transforms starting this May into a brunch haven on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The menu features shareable dishes, always with an Italian twist, plus a touch of food porn that includes several favorites: focaccia turned grilled cheese with smoked scamorza, pecorino, pancetta, and pesto, along with all the veggie options, such as a bruschetta with eggplant caviar, organic soft-boiled egg, seasonal veggies, and pickles. It’s a friendly spot you’ll want to visit more than once to fill your belly with delights and your heart with sunshine.
© Pierrick Rocher
